Well it’s nearly that time of year when the best Rugby League players in the world battle it out for State of Origin honours. Queensland and NSW are the two combatants and it’s realistically the ultimate test in League. More highly rated than even International Rugby League – it’s the best of the best.

This year it’s Queensland’s turn to host 2 of the 3 games with only 1 game in NSW at Telstra Stadium.

Queensland will also field arguably their most dominant team ever. With the halves combination likely to be Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer, this duo alone will strike fear into the NSW men. Queensland have such talent this year, that in form no. 7 Scott Prince looks likely to miss out on a spot. Not since the days of Lewis and Langer have Queensland looked so good to take out the State of Origin tournament. As NSW usually starts favourites given their large player pool to pick from.

Out wide, the Queensland backs such as Hodges, Slater, Inglis and Tate are simply game breakers. Surely the Queenslanders will be hot favorites in 2007 State of Origin.

For NSW, their forwards will really need to dominate to nullify the power of Queenslands strike weapons. As NSW will field make shift halves in probably Anasta and Orford, the big men such as Bailey, Mason and O’Meley will need to totally dominate as this is possibly NSW’s only advantage.

In the backs, NSW will go with their usual larger frame players to combat the Queensland talent. The likes of Cooper, King, Grothe and maybe new boy Hayne will have the big ask of stopping the Queensland big guns.

It’s sure to be a brilliant series and this weekend of NRL will see which stars are in form and ultimately who will make the State of Origin teams.